Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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1417. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection his views on the text of correspondence (details supplied) from a school to parents that disclosed that children in challenging circumstances such as homelessness, refugee status, socioeconomic difficulty and other challenging circumstances will be put in a draw for the free lunch scheme; the steps his Department will take to rectify this issue; and if adequate funding will be provided to the school provide school lunch for all children. [19406/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The objective of the School Meals Programme is to provide regular, nutritious food to children to support them in taking full advantage of the education provided to them. The programme is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement.

The school referred to by the Deputy, has received funding under the School Meals Programme since 2016 for three meal clubs’ breakfast, lunch and afterschool.

• The breakfast consists of a minimum of two items with one serving of wholemeal/wholegrain cereal and breads and one serving of milk, yogurt, cheese or fruit.
• lunch consists of a sandwich or bread roll with a piece of fruit and a drink.
• Afterschool snack consists of a minimum of two items with one serving of wholemeal/wholegrain cereal and breads and one serving of milk, yogurt, cheese or fruit.

I trust this clarifies the matter.